It
is worth remembering that all outdoor sports carry some form of risk.
Bizarrely, the common or garden rambler is responsible for nearly all Mountain
Rescue call outs, whilst the climbers and pot holers and mountaineers seem to
cause little upset by comparison.
Outac
will endeavour to provide qualified and experienced people to lead trips and
activities at all times. You will not be expected to know anything technical,
like how to tie knots or use a compass. If you can, then great, let us know and
before you know it, you'll be chairman or something! At all times, however, you
need to use your common sense. If you don't feel happy or sure about anything,
don't do it. Nothing is compulsory and there are always easy ways around or
back down. Most people give up their time voluntarily to lead and supervise
Outac activities. Be nice to them! Make sure you have fun, but above all
remember, the ultimate responsibility for your safety rests with you, not us.
Some
activities may be offered where the only qualifications the leaders have is
their experience. You will be looked after, but these people cannot and will
not be ultimately responsible if you stuff up. Be careful, be safe and be
happy! Feel free to ask about peoples' qualifications and experience at any time.
We have a comprehensive safety policy, contained in our safety manual. Anyone
interested is encouraged to read it (if you've a week or too to spare. Not that
its a bit long or anything but...) You may find it comforting to know that
Outac has never had a serious incident in its 26 year existence. Few other
University clubs, who do anything similar to what we do, can claim the same.
Kit list for Winter Trips. From the Outac Safety Officer.
Every group needs to make sure they’re self
sufficient and can look after themselves without becoming a liability to the
other groups.
This includes bringing the right kit and knowing
how to use it! It is your responsibility to tell Outac what kit you need to
borrow. If you’re not sure about a particular item, or need help with using it,
please speak to the safety officer, and they will point you to someone who can
explain.
Personal
gear
Waterproof
jacket and trousers –
Boots and
footwear
– You need proper walking boots for this trip – trainers (even posh 'walking
trainers') are not sufficient, as they won’t provide enough ankle support. On
long trips such as this it is a good idea to put some plasters on the night
before in places where you might get blisters. This is for prevention more than
anything, and even if you’ve had your boots for a long time, walking in them
for 10hrs, especially if they get wet inside (which they will, this is
Legwear – No jeans, cotton
trousers or track suits! These get wet really easily and dry really slowly.
They’re good for hot climates as they keep the moisture in and cool you down,
but on a grim day in
Upper body
wear –
again, no cotton t-shirts or woolly jumpers! They will absorb your sweat and
cool you down. Best are wicking base layers (available in short and long
sleeve) They ‘wick’ moisture away from your body and keep you dry. Tiso has
some on sale at the moment, and Millets have cheap stuff, but please ask at the
pub for more info. On top of your base layer you it’s best to have a fleece, as
they will help with the wicking quality of your base layer. In
Extremity
wear –
Warm hat and gloves are definitely a must. Best if they can be a bit waterproof
and windproof. For gloves, if they aren’t waterproof they’ll certainly get wet,
so consider bringing a second pair if you have. In addition, a scarf, head band
or even a balaclava are a good idea.
Sleeping
bag –
There are quilts on the beds but if you want a sleeping bag, you can borrow one
from Outac.
Rucksack
and liner
– most rucksacks aren’t waterproof, so it’s a good idea to bring a liner to
store your stuff in. If you don’t have a liner, you can use a tough bin liner
instead, or smaller waterproof bags.
Personal
first aid kit – As a minimum this should contain some plasters and pain killers
(ibuprofen is best for muscular pain), and everyone should have one. In
addition you might want a bandage and some Compeed plasters for blisters. You
can use resealable sandwich bags to keep this stuff dry!
(Head)
torch and spare batteries – It is always likely that we may have to do some of the
route in the dark. Head torches are one of the most useful things for the
outdoors, and I would encourage everyone to buy one. Previously I have walked
without a torch, and it everything takes about three times longer, honestly!
You can get them for a fiver at DIY stores and Wilkinsons, or for 15 quid at
outdoor shops. Go for the lightweight variety, and bring spare batteries. Alpkit.com also sell head torches for a fiver
inc. delivery (and other useful stuff too).
Map, map
case and compass – If you have a map and compass, then please bring it. If you
don’t,
Lunch – Bring lots for this
trip. Walking in snow will make you very hungry. You’ll get more susceptible to
cold and wet if you’re hungry too. Nuts and dried fruit are good for snacks, so
are cereal and chocolate bars. Anything carbohydrate based is good too, e.g.
sandwiches, pasta, pasties, etc. It's best to eat little and often to avoid
long stops and to keep energy levels stable.
Water – Even when it’s cold
and raining, you need to drink enough to stay hydrated and keep your body
going. 1 liter of water is minimum, 2 litres recommended. A flask would be a nice luxury – hot drinks
are great for morale on cold days (maybe one flask between a group of four or
so?)
Other
stuff -
Whistle, watch, mobile phone (in waterproof case, or sandwich bag), pocket
knife. Take your mobile phone and keep it switched on and fully charged.
Obviously there may not be reception on the hill, but often there is (more
likely on summits than valleys). The safety officer will compile and distribute
a list of numbers so that we can get hold of each other on the hill. If you
ever need Mountain Rescue then dial 999 on the phone. Know where you are on the
map so that you can give them a grid-reference - there are a lot of hills in
Group gear
In addition, Outac will supply these to each
group, but it is the responsibility of each group to ensure they start the walk
with these:
Radios – on Channel 7. If
you’ve not used a radio before, please come see me.
Bothy bag – this is a group
shelter, and can protect you from the elements.
Orange survival bag – Big plastic orange bag. Can be used
to put a casualty in to protect them from the cold, or for an emergency
overnight in case you’re lost. Ideally everyone should have their own in case
they get split up from the group, and it’s orange so the helicopter can see
you!
